Who gets their tail feathers 1st--hen or roo?

[SDCarter]

All 12 of my chicks are 2 weeks old today. I have 3 EEs, 4 Australorps (1 is supposed to be a roo), 2 tiny OEGs, 1 RIR, 1 Partridge Cochin, & 1 black colored Cochin.

3 of the Australorps have tail feathers. They are also the biggest of the 4 Australorps. The other one is smaller & has no tail feathers coming in yet. Is the smallest one w/out tail feathers a roo?

Also the RIR & the black colored Cochin do not have tail feathers.

I can post better pics if I need to.

The gang enjoying a little time outside today.


RIR & black colored Cochin by waterer & Australorp at bottom.

 

[annav410]

I have read that roos tend to be slower to feather out. I would recommend keeping an eye out for any male characteristics as the chick grows. I would think by 6 weeks or so, other indicators may be more visible.

 

[K-12 Chickens]

Sometimes chicks can be unpredictable. One of my Cherry Eggers (production hybrid) seemed to feather out slower than the others and even grew sickle-like tail feathers. After she molted, her feathers were definitely that of a pullet (rounded tail and back feathers).
I think the best clue to the gender of chicks is their combs and wattles, which redden very soon if they are cockerels.

 

[SDCarter]

Thanks. I guess I'm just anxious to know what I ended up with. I'm new to chickens & am enjoying the challenge of learning about them & watching their antics.